NBA Preview

The start of the NBA season might be some months away, but with the window for Player Movement having been open since July 1st (July 11th for confirming moves) then let us take a lot at what has happened to the betting markets as paddy Power have the NBA Outrights already priced up, (all prices quoted are from the Irish firm).

An old French proverb states that ’the more things change, the more things change the same,’ this seems to ring true in the NBA as the Miami Heat are 9/4 to claim the title. The Heat won this in 2012 beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. It seems very likely that it could come down to these two teams and nothing has changed to suggest that the title will not be won by anyone but Miami again. The Heat proved to be the best team last season and only look like going from strength to strength this season following the signings of free-agents Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Adding two perimeter shooters just make this team even better. If you cover James he can kick to Wade or Bosh, three of the best current players in the modern era, now you get a handle on the those three and then they kick it out to Ray Allen one of the best shooters in the League. The options are many, too many for other teams. In addition Lebron James will become an even better player following the title win, the pressure is off his back and he could be about to lead Miami to dynastic era, this 9/4 is not going anywhere but in. Take it early and while you can.

Oklahoma City Thunder made the final last year and look likely to be the nearest challengers to the Miami Heat at 4/1. Thunder are near the Salary Cap limit and could not afford to sign anyone so must hope for good things from young singings like Hasheem Thabeet and Hollis Thompson as well as draftee Perry Jones III. While hoping that players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook come on for the experience of the finals last year.

Next up in the running at 8/1 the pair are the La Lakers and the Chicago Bulls, these two are probably the next best teams. LA got beaten comfortably by the Thunder last year in the playoffs, but the added presence of Steve Nash makes the Lakers a force to contend with. Nash is a point guard who makes those around him better and he can improve Gasol, Bynum and even Kobe. If the Lakers can swing a deal for Dwight Howard then they could have enough to get them past the Thunder and into a best of seven series with Miami.

Chicago Bulls were going great guns last season and finished as number one seeds, but injuries derailed them in the playoffs. If Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah are fit then the Bulls could be contenders again. The worries over Noah’s health and the lack of depth could be an issue.

Brooklyn Nets are the team who have had the most active off-season securing Joe Johnson and signing Deron Williams to a long-term deal, they are another who side who were desperate to secure the services of Dwight Howard, but failure to do so means they are behind the Miami Heat and likely the Chicago Bulls as well.

Speaking of Dwight Howard he still resides in Orlando, but any kind of movement could shake up the prices so be sure to keep an eye on the news. In terms of the here and now though it is hard to see past the Miami Heat for a repeat.

Go To bet365

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13/07/2012     © Frixo 2024